AUTO RACING: Holsten gets first win

NEW EGYPT – The winners of Saturday night’s modified Twin 25s at New Egypt Speedway certainly provided a contrast.

Rick Holsten, victor of the postponed event from last week, registered his first-ever win.

On the other end of the career-victory table, Billy Pauch notched his fifth of the season and 108th total at the Pinelands 7/16-mile in the scheduled main event.

In the make-up feature, Holsten started on the pole and used a smooth driving style to lead the entire distance. Gary Butler made things interesting in the closing laps, but Holsten remained unfazed and drove under starter Terry Branson’s dual checkered flags just a tick over a second ahead of Butler.

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John Stangle started the regular feature on the front row and immediately took the lead. Stangle, also gunning for his first modified win, set a fast pace and appeared headed for that elusive W. On lap 15, however, 11th-starting Pauch appeared on the scene. Pauch hounded Stangle over the next eight circuits before overtaking him on the penultimate lap to end a three-month (an eternity for him) absence from Victory Lane.

By virtue of a tenth-place finish in the first race, Ryan Godown, who declared on opening day that he “came here (NES) to win the championship” made good on that assertion and was crowned the 2012 modified champion.

The TSRS sprints also competed in a pair of events.

In the make-up feature from last week, Mike Haggenbottom took the lead at the green and bid the fieldadios,leading the entire distance and taking the win by a full straightaway.

Brian Carber almost duplicated that feat in the regular event, taking the lead on the fifth go-round and stretching his advantage to half-a-straightaway at the checkers.

In the outlaw stock feature, Rich Mongeau took command from Tom Princiotta to post his first victory of the season. Mongeau actually led at the start/finish line on laps 11 and 12 only to have Princiotta retake the lead by the second turn. The third time proved the charm with Mongeau going in front to stay on lap 13.

NOTES: Haggenbottom also won the TSRS seasonal championship … Carber “book-ended” the TSRS season at NES, winning the first (April 7) and last races run … Ron John Koczon wheeled Mike McAleer’s backup modified in the regular portion after injuring his mount in the make-up feature.